Hookah bowl capsule

ABSTRACT

A container enclosing smoking material is mounted upon a tube of a hookah with an interface sealed to or integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with a floor and/or at least one sidewall of the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 USC Section 120 from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/323,453 filed on Nov. 25, 2008 by Saleh A. Saleh and entitled HOOKAH CAPSULE, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present application claims priority under 35 USC Section 120 from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/417,629 filed on Apr. 2, 2009 by Saleh A. Saleh and entitled HOOKAH SMOKING MATERIAL, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Hookahs are utilized for smoking various smoking materials such as tobacco. Use of a hookah typically requires a person to manually handle and load a ceramic or fruit hookah bowl with the smoking material. After the bowl has been loaded with a smoking material, a separate piece of perforated tin foil or metal screen is placed above the smoking material and lit or hot coals are placed thereon. Smoke from the smoking material is bubbled through a liquid and is subsequently inhaled through one or more tubes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a hookah system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a hookah capsule of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the hookah capsule of FIG. 2 during perforation of an underside of the capsule.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view illustrating perforation of a top side of the capsule of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view illustrating positioning of the perforated capsule of FIG. 2 over an example bowl of an example hookah.

FIG. 6 of the top elevational view of the perforated capsule positioned within the bowl.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating extensions of the capsule wrapped about the bowl with a container of the capsule within the bowl.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate one example method for forming the capsule of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the hookah system of FIG. 1 including an alternative hookah capsule.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the capsule of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the capsule of FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating the capsule of FIG. 13 prepared for use in a hookah.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 10 including a first spacer system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 10 including a second spacer system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 10 including a third spacer system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 17 taken along line 18-18.

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the hookah system of FIG. 1 with portions shown in section and prior to mounting of a capsule upon a hookah.

FIG. 19A is a top plan view of a tube mounting portion of the hookah of FIG. 19 without a perforater.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 19 taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the hookah of FIG. 19 with the perforater and taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of another example embodiment of the capsule of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the hookah system of FIG. 19 with portions shown in section and after mounting of the capsule upon the hookah.

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the hookah system of FIG. 1 with portions shown in section and prior to mounting of a capsule upon a hookah.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 24 taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the hookah system of FIG. 24 with portions shown in section and after mounting of the capsule upon the hookah.

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the hookah system of FIG. 1 with portions shown in section and prior to mounting of a capsule upon a hookah.

FIG. 27A is a top plan view of eight to mounting portion of the hookah of FIG. 27 without a perforater.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 27 taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the hookah of FIG. 27 with the perforater and taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the hookah system of FIG. 27 with portions shown in section and after mounting of the capsule upon the hookah.

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment of the hookah system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment of the hookah system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates hookah system 20 according to an example embodiment. Hookah system 20 is configured to permit one or more persons to inhale smoking material smoke that has been bubbled through a liquid. As will be described hereafter, hookah system 20 employs a hookah capsule 24 including the smoking material 26. The hookah capsule 24 enables easier and less messy preparation of hookah system 20. The hookah capsule 24 also provides for enhanced smoking of the smoking material 26. Hookah system 20 includes hookah 22 and the aforementioned hookah capsule 24.

Hookah 22 (also known as a ghalyun, a water pipe, a nargule, a nargila, a chillam, a shisha tube or shisha, a hubbly bubbly, teterias, sisa, vodnice, vodar, vodni dymka, vesipiip, vizipipa) generally includes bowl 30, tube 32, gasket 34, jar 36, hose 38, valve 40 and plate 42. Bowl 30, also known as a head of hookah 22, comprises a receptacle or container having an interior 44 having an opening outlined by a mouth 46. Interior 44 is configured to receive a portion of capsule 24 while mouth 46 is configured to support or elevate capsule 26. Bowl 30 includes one or more passages 48 extending from interior 44 and in pneumatic or gaseous communication with an interior body 32. In one embodiment, bowl 30 is formed from clay or marble. In other embodiments, Bowl 30 may comprise a hollowed out fruit having perforations serving as passages 48.

Tube 32 comprises one or more structures forming a pneumatic or gaseous conduit 50 connected to passages 48 and extending from passages 48 through gasket 34 and into jar 36 below a level or surface 52 of liquid 54 contained within jar 36. Tube 32 allows smoke from smoking material 26 to be drawn from interior 44 of bowl 30 through liquid 54.

Gasket 34 comprises one or more structures forming a seal between tube 32 and jar 36. Gasket 34 caps jar 36 while permitting tube 32, hose 38 and valve 42 extend through gasket 34 into the interior 56 of jar 36. Gasket 34 may include multiple openings allowing multiple hoses 38 for multiple persons smoking from hookah 22.

Jar 36 comprises a container configured to hold if liquid through which smoke is bubbled prior to being drawn through hoses 38. In one embodiment, liquid 54 contained by jar 36 comprises water. As the smoke is bubbled through liquid 54, the smoke gains moisture and is lowered in temperature. In other embodiments, liquid 54 may comprise other liquid such as alcohol, spirit and/or fruit juice, mint leaves with lemon slices and the like. In some embodiments, jar 36 may additionally contain ice to dramatically lower the temperature of the smoke. In some embodiments, hookah 22 may additionally include a container between jar 36 and bowl 34 containing ice to cool the smoke.

Hose 38 comprises a slender tube through which smoke is inhaled. Hose 38 extends through gasket 34 and communicates with the interior 56 of jar 36 above the liquid line or level 52. In some embodiments, hose 38 may additionally include a mouthpiece. Although one hose 38 is illustrated, in other embodiments, hookah 22 may include additional hoses 38. Although those 38 is illustrated as being provided through gasket 34, in other embodiments, hose 38 may extend through openings in jar 36.

Valve 40 comprises a selectively openable or closable valve for clearing smoke from interior 56 of jar 36 rather than through hose 38. Although valve 40 is illustrated as being provided through gasket 34, in other embodiments, valve 40 may extend through openings in jar 36. In some embodiments, valve 40 may be omitted.

Plate 42, also known as an ash tray, comprises a receptacle or container configured to store or contain cold or “dead” coals. Plate 42 is positioned proximate to bowl 30. In other embodiments, plate 42 may be omitted.

Overall, hookah 22 comprises a mechanism through which smoke from smoking material 26 is drawn into and bubbled through a liquid prior to being inhaled through one or more hoses 38 or in the air through one of more valves 40. Although hookah 22 is illustrated as having the illustrated components with the illustrated shapes, hookah 22 and its components may have a variety of different sizes, shapes and configurations.

Capsule 24 (also known as a tablet or packet) comprises a single unit package containing smoking material 26. Capsule 24 surrounds smoking material 26 on substantially all sides. Prior to its modification when placed within bowl 30 of hookah 22, capsule 24 substantially seals about smoking material 26, maintaining the freshness of the smoking material 26. As a result, capsule 24 is used to store, distribute and sell individual prepackaged portions of smoking material 26. Capsule 24 also enables the individual portions of smoking material 26 to be easily placed within bowl 30 without a person having to directly manually contact, touch or handle smoking material 26. As a result, a person's hands do not become sticky or messy when preparing hookah system 20. Moreover, because capsule 24 is directly placed within bowl 30, capsule 26 further serves as a liner, avoiding direct contact between smoking material 26 and the interior surfaces of bowl 30. As a result, bowl 30 becomes less soiled, facilitating easier clean up. At the same time, capsule 24 is disposable.

Smoking material 26 comprises a material configured to be smoked upon the application of heat from a heat source. In one embodiment, smoking material 26 comprises a tobacco. In other embodiments, smoking material 26 (sometimes referred to as shisha) may comprise other tobacco-free material such as sugar cane bagasse or herbal blends. Other examples of smoking material include, but are not limited to, tobamel, khansar, Ma'sal, Tumbak, Jurak, and combinations thereof. Such smoking materials may additionally include various sweeteners, flavors, fruits, spices, oils and the like. For example, smoking material 26 may include molasses.

According to one embodiment, smoking material 26 comprises a tobacco-free material or mixture of materials omitting nicotine and tar. In some embodiments, smoking material 26 may include tobacco; however the overall mixture of materials forming smoking material 26 has a substantial percentage provided by tobacco-free materials or materials free of nicotine and tar. In one embodiment, smoking material 26 comprises a tobacco-free composition comprising wood portions, syrup, artificial flavorings and preservatives.

The wood portions forming smoking material 26 provide a pleasant scent and taste while allowing the use of tobacco to be reduced or eliminated. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “wood portions” means shavings, sawdust, chips, particles, splinters, fragments or other less-than-whole parts of woody portions of a tree or other plant (such as the woody vine of a grape plant). The term “wood portions” also means and encompasses such less-than-whole parts which may be grouped or bound together by one or more binders or binding materials so as to form pellets, chunks and the like. The binders themselves do not constitute the “wood portions.” In embodiments where the “wood portions” comprise smaller particles such as sawdust, the wood particles or sawdust have an increased surface area, enhancing the ability of the wood particles to absorb and carry this syrup, artificial flavorings and preservatives. The increased surface area further enhances the ability of the wood particles to produce smoke.

In one embodiment, the wood portions comprise portions of wood taken from one or more fruit trees. Examples of fruit trees from which portions of woody may be used to form smoking material 26 include, but are not limited to, apple trees, cherry trees, mulberry trees, peach trees, pear trees, plum trees, pecan trees and lemon trees. Smoking material 26 may also comprise woody portions taken from other plants such as shrubs and grapevines of grape plants. It has been found that wood taken from fruit trees or other fruit plants, and used as a smoking material 26, form smoke to provide an acceptable or even desirable scent or odor as well as pleasant and desirable taste.

It has been found that wood portions taken from apple trees and pear trees, when used as smoking material 26, provides smoke having a relatively neutral scent and a relatively neutral or desirable taste. Because of the relatively neutral scent and taste of the smoke produced by apple wood and pear wood, or mixtures thereof, has been found that smoking material 26 formed by apple or pear wood portions is especially suited for use with artificial flavorings, even artificial flavorings that do not necessarily correspond to the wood portions themselves. In particular, because the odor and flavor of the smoke produced from apple wood portions or pear wood portions is not as strong as compared to other woods, artificial flavorings not necessarily apple or pear may be more suitably used as part of a smoking material 26 including such apple or pear wood portions. For example, in some embodiments smoking material 26 may utilize apple or pear wood portions and may additionally include artificial flavorings of other fruits which are not apples or pears.

The syrup forming smoking material 26 comprises a composition of one or more dissolved sugars. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “syrup” comprises a composition including one or more dissolved sugars. The syrup may be in the form of a thick, viscous liquid or may have previously been in the form of a thick viscous liquid, wherein the liquid has at least partially solidified. The syrup is mixed amongst the wood portions, coats the wood portions and is also absorbed by the wood portions. As noted above, in embodiments where the wood portions comprise sawdust having a relatively large surface area per mass, but would portions may have a better ability to absorb and carry the syrup. This syrup serves multiple functions. First, the syrup serves to coat or seal in the flavor of the wood portions. As a result, shelf life of smoking material 26 is enhanced. Second, the syrup serves to itself absorb some flavor from the wood portions. As a result, the combination of wood portions and syrup yield an even more pleasant and desirable odor and taste when smoked. In other embodiments, smoking material 26 may omit syrup.

In one embodiment, the smoking material 26 has a ratio of syrup to wood portions of approximately 100% to 400%. For example, the syrup may have a weight equal to and up to four times the weight of the wood portions. This ratio has been found to achieve extraordinary smoking results. In other embodiments, other ratios may be employed. Examples of syrup that may be used include, but are not limited to, molasses, honey, agave nectar, barley malt syrup, birch syrup, brown rice syrup, chocolate syrup, corn syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, inverted sugar syrup, Kithul treacle, maple syrup, palm syrup, sugar beet syrup, Yacon syrup and the like.

In one particular embodiment, smoking material 26 includes a syrup comprising molasses. The molasses is a by-product from the processing of sugar beet or sugar cane into sugar. In some embodiments, the molasses may comprise sweet sorghum syrup.

In yet another embodiment, smoking material 26 includes a syrup comprising honey. In embodiments where smoking material 26 comprises molasses or honey, the smoking material provides a higher smoking experience in that the molasses and honey syrups boil and burn at a slower rate as compared to other syrups. Although natural syrups have been described, in other embodiments, smoking material 26 may additionally or alternatively include synthetic syrups which mimic sugars, extracts, molasses and the like. In yet another embodiment, smoking material 26 may omit the syrup.

The artificial flavorings used in smoking material 26 comprise chemical compositions that mimic the taste and/or scent of natural flavorings. In other embodiments, smoking material 26 may additionally or alternatively include natural flavorants or flavorings. A natural flavorant is the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or any other edible portions of a plant, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose primary function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional. As noted above, the artificial flavoring on the natural flavoring may not necessarily correspond to the flavoring or scent of the wood portions. Examples of artificial or natural flavors that may be used with wood portions for smoking mature 26 include, but are not limited to, apple, grape, peach, melon, pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and the like. In addition to fruit flavors, non-fruit flavors may also or alternatively by used in smoking material 26. Examples include, but are not limited to, bubblegum, butterscotch, COKE soda, cappuccino, chocolate and the like. In some embodiments, such artificial flavorings or natural flavorants may be omitted.

The one or more preservatives forming smoking material 26 comprise compositions configured to preserve the shelf life or to maintain the flavoring and scent of smoking material 26. In one embodiment, the one or preservatives comprises glycerine. In other embodiments, other preservatives may be employed. In yet other embodiments, the one or more preservatives may be omitted.

In addition to smoking material 26, capsule 24 includes a body or packaging which encloses smoking material 26. In one embodiment, the body or packaging of capsule 24 is sized so as to contain an individual portion of smoking material 26. In other embodiments, the packaging may include multiple portions or use servings. In one embodiment, the body or packaging of capsule 26 is sized to be received within a hookah bowl. For example, in one embodiment, the body or packaging capsule 26 has a volume of less than or equal to 6 fluid ounces and a maximum dimension of 5 inches. As a result, the person may simply drop or place the package itself into the bowl without having to physically contact or touch the smoking material 26, which may be sticky due to the syrup. In other embodiments, the packaging may include perforations or other structures configured to facilitate opening of the package, facilitating pouring or dispensing of the smoking material from the package into a hookah bowl.

In one embodiment, the body or packaging of capsule 24 is formed entirely from one or more metal layers or films. In one embodiment, the package of capsule 24 has at least one metallic wall in contact with smoking material 26. As a result, the higher thermal conductivity of the metallic wall more effectively transmits a uniform heat about smoking material 26 to provide a more uniform heating of smoking material 26 and enhanced smoke production and operation.

According to one embodiment, the body of capsule 24 generally includes container 60 and top 62. Container 60 comprises a structure which substantially receives and retains smoking material 26. In the example illustrated, container 60 comprises a cup-shaped structure. In other embodiments, container 60 may have other polygonal shapes or may comprise a semicircular or ovular sack or pouch. Container 60 has a floor 64 and side walls 66. Floor 64 extends generally opposite to and faces top 62. Floor 64 extends in closest proximity to a bottom of bowl 30 when container 60 is positioned within bowl 30. In one embodiment, floor 64 is elevated or spaced above the bottom of bowl 30, providing greater clearance for smoke to accumulate before passing through passages 48. Floor 64 includes one or more openings 70. Openings 70 are sized and located to permit smoke from smoking material 26 to pass from interior 72 of container 60 into interior 44 of bowl 30 without a substantial amount of smoking material 26 passing through the same openings 70. In one embodiment, openings 70 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through floor 70.

In one embodiment, such punctures may be formed by an end-user just prior to inserting container 60 into bowl 30 as part of preparing hookah system 20. In such an embodiment, floor 64 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharp object. For example, in one embodiment, floor 64 has a fixed generally inflexible planar profile and is formed from one or more thin foils.

In other embodiments, openings 70 may be formed in other manners and at other points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 70 may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture of container 70 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 70 or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 70 but before wholesale or retail to solution of capsule 24. In one embodiment, such openings 70 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 26 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 74. Flap 74 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to open openings 70. In one embodiment, flap 70 may be temporarily joined to floor 64 across openings 70 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 74. In other embodiments, flap 74 maybe secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 74 is torn away from remaining portions of container 62 exposed openings 70. In one embodiment, flap 74 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) through floor 64 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26. In other embodiments, openings 70 may not be sealed or closed.

Sidewalls 66 extend between floor 64 and top 62. Together with floor 64, sidewalls 66 form a volume for containing smoking material 26. Sidewalls 66 are imperforate. In some embodiments, sidewalls 66 may include openings for air flow which are covered or sealed by a removable flap. In yet other embodiments, sidewalls 66 may be configured to be manually perforated by a sharp object.

In one embodiment, side walls 66 have an inner most surface 76 and an innermost layer 76 of one or more metallic materials. The innermost layer of metallic materials contacts smoking material 26. In one embodiment, an entirety of side walls 66 is formed from one or more metallic materials. Because at least the inner most layer 76 of sidewalls 66 is formed from a metallic material, sidewall 66 have an enhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from a heat source 78 resting upon capsule 24. Because the thermally conductive inner surface directly contacts smoking material 26, heat is effectively transferred to the smoking material 26. In other embodiments, sidewalls 66 may include one or more layers of thermally conductive metallic materials which are spaced from the innermost surface 76 by one or more nonmetallic layers or materials, wherein surface 76 is formed from a material or is sufficiently thin so as to not substantially thermally insulate the thermally conductive layer from smoking material 26.

In the example illustrated, heat source 78 comprises hot coals. In other embodiments, other heat sources 78 may be employed. Because sidewalls 66 provide such enhanced thermal conductivity, heat from heat source 78 is more uniformly distributed along the sides of smoking material 26 to smoke smoking material 26, resulting in enhanced performance. In other embodiments, sidewalls 66 may be formed from other materials.

In those embodiments in which sidewalls 66 have a layer formed from one or more highly thermally conductive materials, such as metallic materials, floor 64 may additionally be provided with a highly conductive layer 80 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment, layer 80 may provide the innermost surface of floor 64. In other embodiments, layer 80 may be spaced from the inner most surface of floor 64 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaning layers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers from smoking material 26. Because floor 64 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted from sidewall 66 to below smoking material 26, heating the underside of smoking material 26. As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking of smoking material 26 may be achieved. In other embodiments, floor 64 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.

According to one embodiment, both floor 64 and sidewalls 66 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment, floor 64 and sidewalls 66 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil. In other embodiments, floor 64 and sidewall 66 may be formed from one or more other materials.

Sidewalls 66 are joined to top 62 at junction 84. According to one embodiment, sidewalls 66 are connected to top 62 by a crimped junction 84. In one embodiment, sidewalls 66 are solely connected to top 62 by crimped junction 84 without any intervening adhesives or insulative materials. As a result, in those embodiments in which sidewalls 66 is formed from one or more thermally conductive metallic materials, heat is more effectively conducted in transferred from top 62 to sidewalls 66. There are no intervening adhesive layers to insulate or interfere with the transfer of heat to sidewall 66. In addition, there are no adhesives which may otherwise emit an undesirable odor or scent or affect taste of the smoke during heating of capsule 24. In other embodiments, junction 84 may include one or more adhesives, glues, solder joints, welds, interlocking structures or the like. In some embodiments, junction 84 may omit any crimping. In still other embodiments, junction 84 may be omitted, wherein sidewalls 66 are integrally formed as a single unitary body with top 62.

According to one embodiment, junction 84 includes one or more adhesives formed from, comprising or consisting of one or more syrups or other food grade materials having sticky, adhesive or bonding characteristics. In one embodiment, the same syrups or other food grade materials that are added to the smoking material 26 to preserve the smoking material, to add a scent to the smoking material or to add flavor to the smoking material (collectively referred to as smoking material additive) are also used at junction 84 to assist in joining top 62 to sidewall 66 and/or to assist in sealing between top 62 and sidewall 66. Because the same materials added to the smoking material are also used to enhance or facilitate joining in sealing between sidewall 66 and top 62, other adhesives which might otherwise add undesirable odor or flavor during smoking of the smoking material under high heat are eliminated or reduced. In addition, complexity and costs for fabricating or manufacturing capsule 24 are reduced.

In one embodiment, the smoking material additive is the sole means by which top 62 is joined to sidewall 66. For example, the smoking material additive may seal and join two mutually facing flaps or surfaces. In another embodiment, the smoking material additive may be used in addition to a mechanical joint to enhance bonding as well as to enhance sealing. For example, one embodiment, smoking material additive may be provided between adjacent layers that are crimped and form junction 84. In one embodiment, the smoking material additive may comprise a syrup such as molasses. In other embodiments, the smoking material additive may comprise other materials which have adhesive properties in at least one physical state.

In some embodiments, the smoking material additive may alternatively or additionally be used to join and/or assist in sealing between other components of capsule 24. For example, the smoking material additive may be used to seal and join removable flaps to either top 62 or floor 64 over and across preformed openings. In other embodiments, use of smoking material additive as a structural component joining our sealing between structures may be omitted.

Top 62 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connected to sidewalls 66 and spanning across interior 72 of container 60. Top 62 captures and substantially encloses smoking material 26 within interior 72. Top 62 additionally supports heating source 78 (hot coals) over and above smoking material 26. Top 62 includes central portion 86 and extension 88.

Central portion 86 covers interior 72 while standing over interior 72 between opposite sides of sidewalls 66. Central portion 86 has an upwardly and outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concave. As a result, central portion 86 is better able to support heat source 78 (hot cold) over interior 72 and over smoking material 26. In other words, the hot coals are less likely to roll off of central portion 86. In one embodiment, central portion 86 is either sufficiently rigid and strong or is sufficiently supported by sidewall 66 so as to be sufficiently taught when supporting the coals of heat source 78 such that an underside of central portion 86 does not collapse or rest upon smoking material 26. In other words, central portion 86 is configured such that the weight of heat source 78 does not cause central portion 86 to compress smoking material 26. Because smoking material 26 is in an uncompressed state, having a greater surface area and having more access to airflow, smoking material 26 is more effectively and efficiently smoked.

According to one embodiment, central portion 86 is formed from or includes a highly conductive layer 89 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment, layer 89 may provide the innermost surface of central portion 86. In other embodiments, layer 89 may be spaced from the inner most surface of central portion 86 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaning layers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers from smoking material 26. Because central portion 86 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is more effectively conducted to smoking material 26 through central portion 86, heating the upper side of smoking material 26. In other embodiments, central portion 86 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.

According to one example embodiment, central portion 84 includes one or more openings 90. Openings 90 are sized and located to permit air to pass into interior 72 of container 60 without large amounts of residue, if any, from heat source 78 (such as the ashes from coals) passing through the same openings 90. In one embodiment, openings 90 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through central portion 86.

In one embodiment, such punctures may be formed by an end-user just prior to inserting container 60 into bowl 30 as part of preparing hookah system 20. In such an embodiment, central portion 86 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharp object. For example, in one embodiment, central portion 86 has a fixed generally inflexible planar profile and is formed from one of more thin foils.

In other embodiments, openings 90 may be formed in other manners and at other points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 90 may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture of central portion 86 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 60 or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 60 but before wholesale or retail to solution of capsule 24. In one embodiment, such openings 90 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 26 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94. Flap 94 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to open openings 90. In one embodiment, flap 94 may be temporarily joined to central portion 86 across openings 90 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 94. In other embodiments, flap 94 may be secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion across openings 90, wherein flap 94 is torn or folded away from remaining portions of container 60 to expose openings 90. In other embodiments, flap 94 maybe secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 74 is torn away from remaining portions of container 62 exposed openings 70. In one embodiment, flap 94 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) through central portion 86 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26. In other embodiments, openings 90 may not be sealed or closed. In some embodiments, openings 90 may be omitted.

Extension 88 comprises that portion of top 62 extending outwardly from central portion 86 outwardly beyond sidewalls 66. Extension 88 provides an outwardly extending rim beyond sidewall 66 of container 60. Extension 88 enables a larger heat source 78, such as a larger number of hot coals, to rest upon capsule 24. Extension 88 further abuts or seals against an upper service of mouth 46 of bowl 30. In particular, extension 88 has an outward expanse or area equal to or greater than an area of mouth 46. As a result, extension 88 substantially inhibits smoke from smoking material 26 from floating upward out of bowl 30. Rather, a greater percentage of the smoke from smoking material 26 that is passed through opening 70 maybe drawn through passages 48 and subsequently inhaled through the one or more hoses 38. Extension 88 further supports container 60 and smoking material 26 above a bottom of bowl 30, preventing container 60 from occluding or blocking passages 48. In other embodiments, container 60 may contact the bottom of bowl 30 while still allowing sufficient air flow to passages 48.

According to one embodiment, extension 88 extends not only to and just above mouth 46, but outwardly beyond mouth 46. This greater expanse of extension 88 provides even a greater surface area for supporting the coals of heat source 78. As a result, the coals of heat source 78 are even less likely to fall off of top 62.

As indicated by broken lines in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, at least those portions of extension 88 extending outwardly beyond mouth 46 are non-resiliently manually deformable or bendable. As a result, such portions 96 of extension 88 may be wrapped or bent around mouth 46, along the exterior sides of mouth 46. Although this may reduce the total surface area for supporting the coals of heat source 78, wrapping a portion 96 about mouth 46 provides an enhanced seal about mouth 46 and better contains smoke from smoking material 26 within mouth 30 prior to its flow through passages 48. Because portions 96 by configured to retain their shape after being wrapped about mouth 46, the remaining portions of extension 88 and capsule 24 are better supported and elevated within bowl 30 above a bottom interior of bowl 30. In other embodiments, portions 96 may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, central portion 86 and extensions 88 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment, central portion 86 and extension 88 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil. According to one embodiment, central portion 86 and extension 88 are formed from a single layer of metallic material such as tinfoil (also known as aluminum foil). Because central portion 86 and extension 80 are formed from a single layer, central portion 86 may be more easily punctured, fabrication is less complex and costly and thermal conductivity may be enhanced. In addition, because portion 96 is formed from a single layer, portion 96 may more easily retain its deformed or bent shape against exterior surfaces of bowl 30 proximate to mouth 46. In other embodiments, central portion 86 and extension 88, or selected portions thereof, may be formed from one or more other materials or may be formed from multiple layers.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate capsule 124, a particular example embodiment of capsule 24. Capsule 24 includes a body which encloses smoking material 26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 1). The body of capsule 124 generally includes container 160 and top 162. Container 160 comprises a structure which substantially receives and retains smoking material 26. In the example illustrated, container 160 comprises a cup-shaped structure. In other embodiments, container 160 may have other polygonal shapes or may comprise a semicircular or ovular sack or pouch. Container 160 has a floor 164 and side walls 166. Floor 164 extends generally opposite to and faces top 162. Floor 164 extends in closest proximity to a bottom of bowl 30 (shown in FIG. 1) when container 160 is positioned within bowl 30. In one embodiment, floor 164 is elevated or spaced above the bottom of bowl 30, providing greater clearance for smoke to accumulate before passing through passages 48. Floor 164 is imperforate prior to being prepared for use with hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1).

Sidewalls 166 extend between floor 164 and top 162. Together with floor 164, sidewalls 166 form a volume for containing smoking material 26. In one embodiment, side walls 166 imperforate. As a result, container 160 better maintains a freshness of smoking material 26. In the example illustrated, sidewalls 166 have an inner most surface 76 (shown in FIG. 1) and an innermost layer 76 of one or more metallic materials. The innermost layer of metallic materials contacts smoking material 26. In one embodiment, an entirety of side walls 166 is formed from one or more metallic materials. Because at least the inner most layer 76 of sidewalls 166 is formed from a metallic material, sidewalls 166 have an enhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from a heat source 78 (shown in FIG. 1) resting upon capsule 124. Because the thermally conductive inner surface directly contacts smoking material 26, heat is effectively transferred to the smoking material 26. In other embodiments, sidewalls 166 may include one or more layers of thermally conductive metallic materials which are spaced from the innermost surface 76 by one or more nonmetallic layers or materials, wherein surface 76 is formed from a material or is sufficiently thin so as to not substantially thermally insulate the thermally conductive layer from smoking material 26. Because sidewalls 166 provide such enhanced thermal conductivity, heat from heat source 78 is more uniformly distributed along the sides of smoking material 26 to smoke smoking material 26, resulting in enhanced performance. In other embodiments, sidewall 166 may be formed from other materials.

In those embodiments in which sidewalls 166 have a layer formed from one or more highly thermally conductive materials, such as metallic materials, floor 164 may additionally be provided with a highly conductive layer 80 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment, layer 80 may provide the innermost surface of floor 164. In other embodiments, layer 80 may be spaced from the inner most surface of floor 164 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaning layers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers from smoking material 26. Because floor 164 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted from sidewall 166 to below smoking material 26, heating the underside of smoking material 26. As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking of smoking material 26 may be achieved. In other embodiments, floor 164 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.

In the embodiments illustrated, both floor 164 and sidewalls 166 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment, floor 164 and sidewalls 166 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil (also known as aluminum foil). In other embodiments, floor 164 and sidewall 166 may be formed from one or more other materials.

As further shown by FIG. 2, floor 164 sidewalls 166 are formed by deforming a single piece of foil such that sidewall 166 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced vertically oriented wrinkles 167. Wrinkles 167 provide channels, grooves or other passageways through which heated air and smoke may travel during heating of the smoking material within capsule 124. In addition, wrinkles 167 provide sidewalls 166 with a larger overall surface area, facilitating enhanced transfer of heat to smoking material within container 160. It has also been discovered that the increased surface area of sidewalls 166 and the grooves or channels formed by wrinkles 167 capture and retain soot or ash that may occur within capsule 124. As a result, the ash is less likely to be drawn into hookah 22 and is less likely to be inhaled.

Sidewalls 66 are joined to top 62 at junction 184. According to one embodiment, sidewalls 166 are connected to top 162 by a crimped junction 184. In one embodiment, sidewalls 166 are solely connected to top 162 by crimped junction 184 without any intervening adhesives or materials. As a result, in those embodiments in which sidewalls 166 is formed from one or more thermally conductive metallic materials, heat is more effectively conducted in transferred from top 62 to sidewalls 66 There are no intervening adhesive layers to insulate or interfere with the transfer of heat to sidewall 66. In addition, there are no adhesives which may impact the flavor or scent of the smoke produced by smoking material 26.

In other embodiments, junction 184 may include one or more adhesives, glues, solder joints, welds, interlocking structures or the like. In some embodiments, junction 84 may omit any crimping. In still other embodiments, junction 184 may be omitted, wherein sidewalls 166 are integrally formed as a single unitary body with top 162.

Top 162 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connected to sidewalls 166 and spanning across interior 72 (shown in FIG. 1) of container 160. Top 162 captures and substantially encloses smoking material 26 within interior 72. Top 162 additionally supports heating source 78 (hot coals) (shown in FIG. 1) over and above smoking material 26. Top 162 includes central portion 186 and extension 188.

Central portion 186 covers interior 72 while standing over interior 72 between opposite sides of sidewalls 166. Central portion 186 has an upper outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concave. As a result, central portion 186 is better able to support heat source 78 (hot coal) over interior 72 and over smoking material 26. In other words, the hot coals are less likely to roll off of central portion 186. In one embodiment, central portion 186 is either sufficiently rigid and strong or is sufficiently supported by sidewall 166 so as to be sufficiently taught when supporting the coals of heat source 78 such that an underside of central portion 186 does not collapse or rest upon smoking material 26. In other words, central portion 186 is configured such that the weight of heat source 78 does not cause central portion 186 to compress smoking material 26. Because smoking material 26 is in an uncompressed state, having a greater surface area and having more access to airflow, smoking material 26 is more effectively and efficiently smoked.

According to one embodiment, central portion 186 is formed from or includes a highly conductive layer 89 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment, layer 89 may provide the innermost surface of central portion 186. In other embodiments, layer 89 may be spaced from the inner most surface of central portion 186 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the innermost layers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers from smoking material 26. Because central portion 186 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is more effectively conducted to smoking material 26 through central portion 86, heating the upper side of smoking material 26. In other embodiments, central portion 86 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.

Extension 188 comprises that portion of top 162 extending outwardly from central portion 186 outwardly beyond sidewalls 166. Extension 188 provides an outwardly extending rim beyond sidewall 166 of container 160. Extension 188 enables a larger heat source 78, such as a larger number of hot coals (shown in FIG. 1), to rest upon capsule 124. Extension 188 further abuts or steals against an upper surface of mouth 46 of bowl 30 (shown in FIG. 1). In particular, extension 188 has an outward expanse or area equal to or greater than an area of mouth 46. As a result, extension 188 substantially inhibits smoke from smoking material 26 from floating upward out of bowl 30. Rather, a greater percentage of the smoke from smoking material 26 that is passed capsule 124 into bowl 30 may be drawn through passages 48 and subsequently inhaled through the one or more hoses 38. Extension 188 further supports container 160 and smoking material 26 above a bottom of bowl 30, preventing container 160 from occluding or blocking passages 48.

According to one embodiment, extension 188 is configured to extend not only to and just above mouth 46, but outwardly beyond mouth 46. This greater expanse of extension 188 provides even a greater surface area for supporting the coals of heat source 78. As a result, the coals of heat source 78 are even less likely to fall off of top 162.

As shown by FIG. 7, in one embodiment, at least those portions of extension 188 extending outwardly beyond mouth 46 are non-resiliently and manually deformable or bendable. As a result, such portions 196 of extension 188 may be wrapped or bent around mouth 46, along the exterior sides of mouth 46. Although this may reduce the total surface area for supporting the coals of heat source 78, wrapping a portion 196 about mouth 46 provides an enhanced seal about mouth 46 and better contain smoke from smoking material 26 within mouth 46 prior to its flow through passages 48 (shown in FIG. 1). Because portions 196 are configured to retain their shape after being wrapped about mouth 46, the remaining portions of extension 188 and capsule 124 are better supported and elevated within bowl 30 above a bottom interior of bowl 30. In other embodiments, portions 196 may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, central portion 186 and extensions 188 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment, central portion 186 and extension 188 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil. According to one embodiment, central portion 86 and extension 88 are formed from a single layer of metallic material such as tinfoil. As shown by FIG. 10, in one embodiment, extension 188 may overlap an extension 208 of container 160. Because central portion 186 and extension 180 are formed from a single layer, central portion 186 may be more easily punctured, fabrication is less complex and costly and thermal conductivity may be enhanced. In addition, because portion 196 is formed from a single layer, portion 196 may more easily retain its deformed or bent shape against exterior surfaces of bowl 30 proximate to mouth 46. In other embodiments, central portion 186 and extension 188 may be formed from one or more other materials or may be formed from multiple layers.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate preparation of hookah system 22 using capsule 124. In particular, FIGS. 3-7 illustrate mounting of capsule 124 to a bowl 30 of hookah system 22 (shown in its entirety in FIG. 1). As shown by FIG. 3, one or more openings 170 are formed by puncturing floor 164 with a sharp object 200. Openings 170 are sized and located to permit air to pass into interior 72 of container 160 without large amounts of residue, if any, from heat source 78 (such as the ashes from coals) passing through the same openings 190. In one embodiment, openings 190 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through floor 164.

In the example illustrated, such punctures may be formed by an end-user just prior to inserting container 160 into bowl 30 as part of preparing hookah system 20. In such an embodiment, floor 164 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharp object. For example, in one embodiment, floor 164 has a fixed generally inflexible planar profile and is formed from one of more thin foils. In other embodiments, floor 164 may be flexible.

In other embodiments, openings 170 may be formed in other manners and at other points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 170 may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture of floor 164 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 but before wholesale or retail to solution of capsule 124. In one embodiment, such openings 190 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 26 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94 (shown and described with respect to FIG. 1).

As shown by FIG. 4, openings 190 are formed in central portion 186. Openings 190 are sized and located to permit smoke from smoking material 26, to pass from interior 72 (shown in FIG. 1) of container 160 into interior 44 of bowl 30 without a substantial amount of coals of heat source 78 (shown in FIG. 1) passing through the same openings 190. In one embodiment, openings 190 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through central portion 186. Such punctures are formed by an end-user just prior to inserting container 160 into bowl 30 as part of preparing hookah system 20. In such an embodiment, central portion 186 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharp object 200. For example, in one embodiment, central portion 186 has a fixed generally inflexible planar profile and is formed from one of more thin foils.

In other embodiments, openings 190 may be formed in other manners and at other points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 190 may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture of container 160 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 but before wholesale or retail to solution of capsule 124. In one embodiment, such openings 190 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 124 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94 (shown and described in FIG. 1). In other embodiments, openings 190 may not be sealed or closed.

As shown by FIGS. 5 and 6, once floor 164 and central portion 186 have been punctured (or otherwise modified) to form openings 170 and 190, capsule 124 is placed upon bowl 30 with container 160 (shown in FIG. 2) resting inside Bowl 30. As shown by FIG. 7, portions 196 of extension 188 are bent and wrapped about the mouth 46 of bowl 30. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1, a heat source 78, such as hot coals, are placed upon central portion 86/186 of top 62/162. As indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1, as air/smoke is inhaled through hose 38, air is drawn through openings 90/190 and passes across smoking material 26. Smoke from smoking material 26 is drawn through openings 70/170 into bowl 30. The smoke is further drawn through passages 48, through 232 and bubbled through liquid 54 in jar 36. The smoke then passes through hose 38 where it is inhaled.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate one example method of forming capsule 124. As shown by FIG. 8, top 162 is positioned across container 160 and an extension 208 of container 160. As noted above, in one embodiment, top 162 is formed from a metallic foil such as tinfoil. Likewise, container 160 and its extension 208 are also formed from a metallic foil, such as tinfoil.

As shown by FIG. 9, one or more forming tools 210 (shown in FIG. 8) are positioned at least partially about and around container 160. Forming tools 210 are pressed against extension 188 and extension 208 to form the folds 212 shown in FIG. 9. In one embodiment, forming tools 210 continuously extend about container 160 so as to form continuous fold 212 about container 160 between container 160 and portion 196, extension 188. In other embodiments, forming tools to 108 intermittently extend about or around container 160 to form intermittently spaced folds 212. Although folds 212 are illustrated as extending downward into extensions 188 and 208, in other embodiments, forming tools 210 may alternatively be located below extension 208 such that folds 212 extend upwardly.

As shown by FIG. 10, folds 212 are subsequently crushed, pinched, mashed or deformed to form crimped junctures 184. In other embodiments, other forming tools and other crimping methods may be employed. Because crimped junctures 184 are formed without adhesive, smoking material 26 is sealed and kept fresh within container 160 without adhesives which might otherwise be made in older and affect taste during heating of capsule 124. As noted above, in other embodiments, adhesives or sealing materials may be employed with or without the crimping.

FIG. 11 illustrates hookah system 320, another embodiment of hookah system 20. Hookah system 320 is identical to hookah system 20 except that hookah system 320 includes capsule 324. Capsule 324 is itself identical to capsule 24 except that capsule 324 includes extension 388 in place of extension 88. Those remaining elements of hookah system 320 that correspond to elements of hookah system 20 are numbered similarly.

As shown by FIG. 11, extension 388 extends outwardly from central portion 86 and has a smaller expanse extending beyond container 60. Extension 388 is configured to abut and seal against an inner surface 331 of bowl 30 rather than a top surface of mouth 46. In the example illustrated, extension 388 is sufficiently sized so as to frictionally engage surface 331 to elevate floor 64 above passages 48. In the example shown, mouth 46 projects above a top of capsule 324 when capsule 324 is positioned within bowl 30. As a result, portions of the bowl 30 rising above mouth 46 further assist in retaining the coals of heat source 78 in place above capsule 324. The remaining operation of hookah system 320 is substantially similar to the operation of hookah system 20.

In yet another embodiment, capsule 324 and bowl 30 may comprise an integrated consumable (disposable) system, wherein both capsule 324 and bowl 30 are formed from one or more foils joined together as a unit. In particular, bowl 30 is separate from tube 32 and top 388 of capsule 324 is joined to bowl 30 by a sealed joint or crimp. In such an embodiment, floor 64 is pre-punctured or otherwise includes openings (during storage or at time of retail sale) within bowl 30 which seals about such openings. At the time or storage or retail sale, the bottom bowl 30 is imperforate or has flaps sealing such preexisting opening(s). In one embodiment, during mounting of bowl 30 (and the joined capsule 324) to the remainder of the hookah, the bottom of bowl 30 is punctured by pointed end of tube 38 providing passages 48. In another embodiment, the flap or flaps may be peeled away to expose preexisting openings prior to the tube 32 being inserted through the exposed openings.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating capsule 424, another embodiment of capsule 24. Capsule 424 is illustrated prior to preparation of capsule 424 for insertion into hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Capsule 424 comprise a specific embodiment of capsule 24 in which openings 70 and 90 are preformed during fabrication of capsule 24 or during filling of capsule 24 was smoking material 26. Those remaining elements of capsule 424 which correspond to elements of capsule 24 (described above) are numbered similarly. Capsule 424 includes closing flaps 474 and 476.

Flap 474 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to open openings 70. Flap 474 includes a manually grippable tab or handle 481. In one embodiment, flap 474 may be temporarily joined to floor 64 across openings 70 with a pressure sensitive adhesive 475 (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 74. In other embodiments, flap 474 may be secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 474 is torn away from remaining portions of container 60 to expose openings 70. In one embodiment, flap 474 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) through floor 64 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26.

Flap 494 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to open openings 90. In the example illustrated, flap 494 includes a manually grippable tab or handle 495. In one embodiment, flap 494 may be temporarily joined to central portion 86 across openings 90 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 494. In other embodiments, flap 944 may be secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion across openings 90, wherein flap 494 is torn or folded away from remaining portions of container 60 to expose openings 90. In other embodiments, flap 494 maybe secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 74 is torn away from remaining portions of container 60 to expose openings 90. In one embodiment, flap 494 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) through central portion 86 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26.

When preparing hookah system 22, a person grasps handles handle 495 and removing or at least folds over flaps 474 and 494 to expose openings 70 and 90, respectively. Thereafter, capsule 424 is positioned on and partially within bowl 30 of hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Flaps 474 and 494 enable easier preparation of capsule 424 for use in hookah 22. Because openings 70 and 90 are preformed, opening 7090 may be optimally sized and located for enhanced air or smoke flow.

FIG. 13 illustrates capsule 524, another embodiment of capsule 24. Capsule 524 is similar to capsule 24 except that capsule 524 includes top 562 in place of top 62. In addition, floor 64 is imperforate prior to being prepared for use in hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Those remaining elements of capsule 524 which correspond to elements of capsule 24 are numbered similarly.

Top 562 is similar to top 62 except that top 562 is joined to container 60 by junctions 584. In addition, as with some embodiments of top 62, central portion 86 of top 562 is imperforate prior to preparation for use in hookah 22. Those remaining elements or components of top 562 which correspond to elements of top 62 are numbered similarly.

Junctions 584 comprise structures or mechanisms configured to facilitate at least partial manually achieved separation of top 562 from container 60 without potential damage to container 60 and without substantial tearing or abrupt forces which might otherwise cause spilling of smoking material 26 from container 60. In one embodiment, junctions 584 may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive 585 positioned between container 60 and top 562. In other embodiments, other temporary sealing and joining mechanisms or structures may be employed. Junctions 584 enclose and seal smoking material 26 within container 60 to maintain the freshness of smoking material 26. At the same time, junctions 584 permit top 562 to be removed, exposing smoking material 26 and permitting airflow from above smoking material 26. FIG. 14 illustrates use of capsule 524. In particular, capsule 524, containing smoking material 26, is stored and inventoried in the state shown in FIG. 13. Prior to use in hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1), openings 70 are formed in floor 64. In one embodiment, openings 70 are formed by puncturing floor 64. In other embodiments, opening 70 may be preformed, wherein a flap, such as flap 474 joining FIG. 12 is utilized.

As further shown by FIG. 14, top 562 is removed from container 60. In one embodiment that top 562 is peeled away from container 60. In another embodiment, top 562 may be torn away from container 60. In other embodiments, top 562 may be folded or bent away from container 60 while remaining attached to a portion of container 60. Thereafter, container 60 is positioned within bowl 30 (shown in FIG. 1) and a separate perforated foil or screen 531 is positioned over smoking material 26. A heat source 78, such as hot coals (shown in FIG. 1), may then be placed on top of the screen or perforated foil. As with capsules 24, 124 and 424, capsule 524 provides a prepackaged and apportioned unit of smoking material 26. Moreover, capsule 524 enables the smoking material 26 to be loaded into a hookah without a person having to manually touch or contact smoking material 26. In some embodiments, capsule 524 additionally thermally conducts heat more uniformly about smoking material 26 for enhanced smoking performance.

FIG. 15 illustrates capsule 124 additionally including spacer system 600. Spacer system 600 is located within interior 72 of container 160. Spacer system 600 conducts thermal energy or heat to smoking material 26 while maintaining smoking material 26 out of contact with and spaced from top 162. In the example illustrated, spacer system 600 spaces smoking material 26 from a lower or inner surface of top by a distance are spacing S of at least 1/16 inches. As a result, air within space 602 heats during heating of capsule 124, wherein spacer system 600 conducts the heat to smoking material 26. Space 602 reduces the likelihood of hotspots coming into contact with smoking material 26 to reduce the likelihood of burning or charring of portions of smoking material 26 which might otherwise be in contact with such hotspots formed on top 162 by coals or other heat sources resting upon top 162.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, spacer system 600 comprises at least one thermally conductive panel 605 between smoking material 26 and top 162. In the example illustrated, panel 605 comprises a thermally conductive metal foil, such as aluminum or tinfoil, which contacts, rests and floats upon smoking material 26. In other embodiments, panel 605 may comprise a disc formed from other thermally conductive materials such as clay or ceramics. Panel 605 has outer edges 607 facing and spaced from interior surfaces 76 of side walls 166. In other words, outer edges 607 may contact one interior surface 76, but do not contact to opposite inner surfaces 76 of side walls of container 166. In other embodiments, opposite outer edges of panel 605 may contact opposite interior surfaces 76 of container 166, wherein panel 605 is sufficiently flexible such that central portions of the panel 605 contact and are supported by smoking material 26 so as to float upon smoking material 26. Because panel 605 comprises a thin metal foil, at least portions of which are permitted to float on top of smoking material 26, panel 605 remains in contact with smoking material 26 regardless of variations in the amount of smoking material 26 within container 160, facilitating more reliable and uniform heat transfer to smoking material 26.

FIG. 16 illustrates capsule 124 with spacer system 620, another embodiment of spacer system 600. Spacer system 620 comprises a thermally conductive panel 625 between smoking material 26 and a lower inner surface of top 162. Like spacer system 600, spacer system 620 spaces smoking material 26 from the lower or inner surface of top 162 by spacing S of at least 1/16 inches. Unlike panel 605 of spacer system 600, panel 625 of spacer system 620 is supported by side walls 166 of container 160. In the example illustrated, panel 625 is sufficiently rigid and has a diameter or other dimension such that outer edge portions are outer perimeter portions 627 abut or contact opposite interior surfaces 76 to limit an extent to which panel 625 may be lowered towards bottom 164 of container 160. In other embodiments, panel 625 may rest on ridges or ribs/bumps along the internal walls of the container above the top of the smoking material and not necessarily contact the smoking material. As a result, panel 625 facilitates control over spacing S of space 602 despite variations in the amount of smoking material 26 within container 160. In one embodiment, panel 65 may be adhered to surfaces 76 by adhesives or smoking material additives such as molasses. In other embodiments, panel 625 may be retained relative to side walls 166 by friction alone or as a result of the tapering of side walls 166 towards one another as they approach bottom 164.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate capsule 124 additionally including spacer system 640, another embodiment of spacer system 600. Spacer system 640 is similar to spacer system 600 except that spacer system 640 additionally includes retainer 650. Retainer 650 maintains panel 605 at a minimum spacing S from top 162 even as panel 605 may be allowed to float upon smoking material 26. In the example illustrated, retainer 650 comprises a wire mesh or grid extending between panel 605 and top 162 and secured a retained to side walls 166 so as to limit movement of panel 605 towards top 162 past a predetermined minimum spacing from top 162. In the example illustrated, the grid or wire mesh forming retainer 650 freshly grips interior surfaces 76 to maintain a minimum spacing from top 162. In other embodiments, retainer 650 may have other configurations and may be secured to side walls 166 (or top 162) in other fashions.

Although each of spacer systems 600, 620 and 640 have been illustrated and described as being used with capsule 124, spacer systems 600, 620 and 640 may additionally or alternatively be used in other capsules or other containers containing smoking material for use with a hookah. For example, each of smoking system 600, 620 and 640 alternatively be utilized in any of the capsules or smoking mature containers described herein such as, by way of example only, capsule 24, 424, and capsule 524.

FIG. 19 illustrates hookah system 720, another embodiment of hookah system 20 (shown in FIG. 1). Hookah system 720 includes hookah 722, hookah bowl capsule 724 and perforator 726. Hookah 722 is similar to hookah 22 except that hookah 722 terminates at an end of a pipe stem or tube 32 having a tube mount portion 729. Hookah system 720 omits bowl 30. Those remaining portions of hookah 722 which correspond to portions of hookah 22 are numbered similarly.

Tube mount portion 729 extends at an end of tube 32 and is configured to at least be partially inserted into the bowl capsule 724. As shown by FIG. 19A, which illustrates an end of tube mount portion 729 with perforator 726 removed, tube mount portion 729 forms an open mouth 730 which communicates with an interior 732 of tube 32. Tube mount portion 729 facilitates mounting of hookah bowl capsule 724 on tube 32 of hookah 722. Although mouth 730 is illustrated as being circular and as being wider than interior 732, in other embodiments, 730 may be non-circular, such as polygonal, and may be a same size as interior 732 of tube 32.

Hookah bowl capsule 724 mounts upon tube mount portion 729 and contains smoking material 26. Capsule 724 (also known as a tablet or packet) comprises a single unit package containing smoking material 26. Capsule 724 surrounds smoking material 726 on substantially all sides. Prior to its modification when mounted upon tube 32 of hookah 722, capsule 724 substantially seals about smoking material 26, maintaining the freshness of the smoking material 26. As a result, capsule 724 is used to store, distribute and sell individual prepackaged portions of smoking material 26. Capsule 724 also enables the individual portions of smoking material 26 to be easily mounted upon tube 32 without a person having to directly manually contact, touch or handle smoking material 26. As a result, a person's hands do not become sticky or messy when preparing hookah system 720.

In short, hookah bowl capsule 724 serves to at least two functions: (1) containing smoking material 26 in a sealed interior to maintain freshness and moistness of smoking material 26 and (2) serving as a hookah bowl by supporting and pneumatically connecting smoking material 26 to tube 32. As a result, a person intending to use hookah system 720 merely removably mounts capsule 724 on tube mounting portion 729. The person does not need to manually handle smoking material 26. When smoking is finished, the person merely needs to lift, remove and discard capsule 724 containing the used smoking material 26. Once again, person does not need to manually handle the used smoking material. In addition, hookah 722 is largely ready for a subsequent use without the person having to clean any bowl of hookah 722. Overall, hookah system 720 and capsule 724 offer enhanced convenience and ease of use.

In addition to smoking material 26, capsule 724 includes a body or packaging which encloses smoking material 26. In one embodiment, the body or packaging of capsule 24 is sized so as to contain an individual portion of smoking material 26. In other embodiments, the packaging may include multiple portions or use servings. In one embodiment, the body or packaging capsule 724 has a volume of less than or equal to 6 fluid ounces and a maximum dimension of 5 inches. As a result, the person may simply mount the package itself onto tube mounting portion 729 of tube 32 without having to physically contact or touch the smoking material 26, which may be sticky due to the syrup.

In one embodiment, the body or packaging of capsule 724 is formed entirely from one or more metal layers or films. In one embodiment, the package of capsule 24 has at least one metallic wall in contact with smoking material 26. As a result, the higher thermal conductivity of the metallic wall more effectively transmits a uniform heat about smoking material 26 to provide a more uniform heating of smoking material 26 and enhanced smoke production and operation.

In the example illustrated, the body of capsule 724 generally includes container 760 and top 762. Container 760 comprises a structure which substantially receives and retains smoking material 26. According to one embodiment, container 760 comprises a cup-shaped structure. In other embodiments, container 760 may have other polygonal shapes or may comprise a semicircular or ovular sack or pouch. Container includes floor 764, interface 765 and side walls 766. Floor 764 extends generally opposite to and faces top 762. Floor 764 extends in closest proximity to a mounting portion 729 when container 760 is positioned on tube 32.

Interface 765 facilitates mounting of capsule 724 onto mounting portion 729. In one embodiment, interface 765 facilitates such mounting of capsule 724 without the use of tools. In the example illustrated, interface 765 comprises a tube 767 located within container 760 and configured to receive and seal against mounting portion 729. In such an embodiment, one or both of interface 765 and mounting portion 729 may include one or more sealing arrangements such as gaskets, sealing rings and the like. Because tube 767 is contained within container 760, capsule 724 is more compact and has a lower profile that facilitates stacking and packaging of multiple capsules 724.

According to one embodiment, tube 767 of interface 765 has a sealed or closed imperforate axial face 768. Likewise, circumferential sides of tube 767 are also imperforate. As a result, circumferential sides of tube 767, axial face 768 of tube 767, floor 764, side walls 766 and top 762 substantially enclose and seal about smoking material 26 to maintain the freshness of smoking material 26. Axial face 768 is formed from one or more materials having a thickness and being sufficiently rigid or taut so as to be perforated without substantial tearing of face 768. In one embodiment, axial face 768 is formed from a metallic foil, such as aluminum foil. As will be described hereafter, perforation of axial face 768 to pneumatically connect interior 776 of capsule 724 with the interior of tube 32 may be performed using perforator 726 or other perforation tools 727 (shown in FIG. 19).

In yet other embodiments, axial face 768 or circumferential portions of tube 767 proximate to face 768 may include punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings formed during the fabrication or manufacture of container 760 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 760 or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 760 but before wholesale or retail distribution of capsule 724. In one embodiment, such openings 770 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 724 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 774. Flap 774 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 760 so as to open openings 770 or so as to open tube 767 for insertion of mounting portion 729. In one embodiment, flap 774 may be temporarily joined to floor 64 across tube 767 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 774. In other embodiments, flap 774 may be secured to container 760 in a more permanent fashion across tube 767, wherein flap 774 is torn away from remaining portions of container 760 to open tube 767.

In those embodiments in which capsule 724 includes sealing flap 769 and in which an interior of tube 767 is already in communication with the interior 772 of container 760 through openings 770 within tube 766 or face 768, hookah system 720 may omit perforator 726 and may not necessarily require the use of a perforation tool 727. Alternatively, in those embodiments in which axial face 768 is to be perforated using perforator 726 or perforation tool 727, flap 769 may be omitted. In some embodiments, flap 769 may be additionally be used to provide a double sealing structure or to prevent accidental perforation of axial face 768 until use of capsule 724.

Sidewalls 766 extend between floor 764 and top 762. Together with floor 764 and interface 765, sidewalls 766 form a volume for containing smoking material 26. Sidewalls 766 are imperforate. Side walls 766 have an inner most surface 776 and an innermost layer 776 of one or more metallic materials. The innermost layer of metallic materials contacts smoking material 26. In one embodiment, an entirety of side walls 766 is formed from one or more metallic materials. Because at least the inner most layer 776 of sidewalls 766 is formed from a metallic material, sidewall 766 have an enhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from a heat source 78 (shown in FIG. 1) resting upon capsule 724. Because the thermally conductive inner surface directly contacts smoking material 26, heat is effectively transferred to the smoking material 726. In other embodiments, sidewalls 766 may include one or more layers of thermally conductive metallic materials which are spaced from the innermost surface 776 by one or more nonmetallic layers or materials, wherein surface 776 is formed from a material or is sufficiently thin so as to not substantially thermally insulate the thermally conductive layer from smoking material 26. Because sidewalls 66 provide such enhanced thermal conductivity, heat from heat source 78 (shown in FIG. 1) is more uniformly distributed along the sides of smoking material 26 to smoke smoking material 26, resulting in enhanced performance. In other embodiments, sidewalls 766 may be formed from other materials.

In those embodiments in which sidewalls 766 have a layer formed from one or more highly thermally conductive materials, such as metallic materials, floor 764 may additionally be provided with a highly conductive layer 780 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment, layer 780 may provide the innermost surface of floor 764. In other embodiments, layer 780 may be spaced from the inner most surface of floor 764 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner layers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers from smoking material 26. Because floor 764 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted from sidewall 766 to below smoking material 26, heating the underside of smoking material 26. As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking of smoking material 26 may be achieved. In other embodiments, floor 764 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.

According to one embodiment, both floor 764 and sidewalls 766 are integrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment, floor 764 and sidewalls 766 are integrally formed as a single unitary body from a tin foil (also known as aluminum foil). In other embodiments, floor 764 and sidewall 766 may be formed from one or more other materials.

As further shown by FIG. 20, sidewalls 766 include a plurality of circumferentially spaced vertically oriented wrinkles 777. Wrinkles 777 provide channels, grooves or other passageways through which heated air and smoke may travel during heating of the smoking material within capsule 724. In addition, wrinkles 777 provide sidewalls 766 with a larger overall surface area, facilitating enhanced transfer of heat to smoking material within container 760. It has also been discovered that the increased surface area of sidewalls 766 and the grooves or channels formed by wrinkles 777 capture and retain soot or ash that may occur within capsule 724. As a result, the ash is less likely to be drawn into hookah 722 and is less likely to be inhaled.

Sidewalls 766 are joined to top 762 at junction 784. According to one embodiment, sidewalls 766 are connected to top 762 by a crimped junction 784. In one embodiment, sidewalls 766 are solely connected to top 762 by crimped junction 784 without any intervening adhesives or insulative materials. As a result, in those embodiments in which sidewalls 766 is formed from one or more thermally conductive metallic materials, heat is more effectively conducted in transferred from top 762 to sidewalls 766. There are no intervening adhesive layers to insulate or interfere with the transfer of heat to sidewall 766. In addition, there are no adhesives which may otherwise emit an undesirable odor or scent or affect taste of the smoke during heating of capsule 724. In other embodiments, junction 784 may include one or more adhesives, glues, solder joints, welds, interlocking structures or the like. In some embodiments, junction 784 may omit any crimping. In still other embodiments, junction 784 may be omitted, wherein sidewalls 766 are integrally formed as a single unitary body with top 762.

According to one embodiment, junction 784 includes one or more adhesives formed from, comprising or consisting of one or more syrups or other food grade materials having sticky, adhesive or bonding characteristics. In one embodiment, the same syrups or other food grade materials that are added to the smoking material 26 to preserve the smoking material, to add a scent to the smoking material or to add flavor to the smoking material (collectively referred to as smoking material additive) are also used at junction 784 to assist in joining top 762 to sidewall 766 and/or to assist in sealing between top 762 and sidewall 766. Because the same materials added to the smoking material are also used to enhance or facilitate joining in sealing between sidewall 766 and top 762, other adhesives which might otherwise add undesirable odor or flavor during smoking of the smoking material under high heat are eliminated or reduced. In addition, complexity and costs for fabricating or manufacturing capsule 24 are reduced.

In one embodiment, the smoking material additive is the sole means by which top 762 is joined to sidewall 766. For example, the smoking material additive may seal and join two mutually facing flaps or surfaces. In another embodiment, the smoking material additive may be used in addition to a mechanical joint to enhance bonding as well as to enhance sealing. For example, one embodiment, smoking material additive may be provided between adjacent layers that are crimped and form junction 84. In one embodiment, the smoking material additive may comprise a syrup such as molasses. In other embodiments, the smoking material additive may comprise other materials which have adhesive properties in at least one physical state.

In some embodiments, the smoking material additive may alternatively or additionally be used to join and/or assist in sealing between other components of capsule 724. For example, the smoking material additive may be used to seal and join removable flaps to either top 762 or floor 764 over and across preformed openings. In other embodiments, use of smoking material additive as a structural component joining our sealing between structures may be omitted.

Top 762 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connected to sidewalls 766 and spanning across interior 772 of container 760. Top 762 captures and substantially encloses smoking material 726 within interior 772. Top 762 additionally supports heating source 778 (hot coals) over and above smoking material 26. Top 762 includes central portion 786.

Central portion 786 covers interior 772 while standing over interior 772 between opposite sides of sidewalls 766. Central portion 786 has an upwardly and outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concave. As a result, central portion 786 is better able to support heat source 778 (hot cold) over interior 772 and over smoking material 26. In other words, the hot coals are less likely to roll off of central portion 786. In one embodiment, central portion 786 is either sufficiently rigid and strong or is sufficiently supported by sidewall 766 so as to be sufficiently taught when supporting the coals of heat source 778 such that an underside of central portion 786 does not collapse or rest upon smoking material 26. In other words, central portion 786 is configured such that the weight of heat source 78 does not cause central portion 786 to compress smoking material 26. Because smoking material 26 is in an uncompressed state, having a greater surface area and having more access to airflow, smoking material 26 is more effectively and efficiently smoked.

According to one embodiment, central portion 786 is formed from or includes a highly conductive layer 789 formed from one or more metallic materials. In one embodiment, layer 789 may provide the innermost surface of central portion 786. In other embodiments, layer 789 may be spaced from the inner most surface of central portion 786 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaning layers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers from smoking material 26. Because central portion 786 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is more effectively conducted to smoking material 26 through central portion 786, heating the upper side of smoking material 26. In other embodiments, central portion 786 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.

As shown by FIG. 23, when capsule 724 is being used with hookah system 722, central portion 786 includes one or more openings 790. Openings 790 are sized and located to permit air to pass into interior 772 of container 760 without large amounts of residue, if any, from heat source 78 (shown in FIG. 1), such as the ashes from coals, passing through the same openings 790. In one embodiment, openings 790 comprise punctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through central portion 786.

In one embodiment, such punctures may be formed by an end-user when preparing hookah system 720 for use. In such an embodiment, central portion 786 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharp object. For example, in one embodiment, central portion 786 has a fixed generally inflexible planar profile and is formed from one of more thin foils.

In other embodiments, openings 790 may be formed in other manners and at other points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 790 may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture of central portion 786 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 760 or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 760 but before wholesale or retail distribution of capsule 724. In one embodiment, such openings 790 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 724 may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 794. As shown by arrow 795, flap 794 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to open openings 790.

In one embodiment, flap 794 may be temporarily joined to central portion 786 across openings 790 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 794. In other embodiments, flap 794 may be secured to container 760 in a more permanent fashion across openings 790, wherein flap 794 is torn or folded away from remaining portions of container 760 to expose openings 790. In one embodiment, flap 794 may be torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) through central portion 768 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26.

Perforator 726 comprises one or more structures configured to facilitate perforation of face 768 of interface 765 to “break” the seal about smoking material 26 and to provide pneumatic communication between interior 772 of container 760 and the interior of tube 32 such that smoke from heated smoking material 26 may be drawn out of interior 772 through tube 32. As shown by FIG. 21, perforator 726 includes a support plate 780 supporting a plurality of upwardly extending perforating needles 782 and including a plurality of slots or apertures. As shown by FIG. 23, needles 782 have tips configured to perforate or puncture through axial face 768 when tube 767 receives mounting portion 729 and perforator 726. Needles 782 each include a pair of ports and an a hollow interior interconnecting the ports such that smoke may pass through a first port of needles 782 within interior 772, may pass through the hollow interior of the needle and may be drawn through the second needle port into mouth 730 of mounting portion 729. Additional smoke may be drawn around the punctures formed by needles 782 and through apertures 785. In some embodiments, perforator 726 may include knives, pins or other puncturing devices in place of needles 782, wherein the puncturing devices merely form openings in face 782 and wherein smoke is drawn to such openings and through apertures 784 in plate 780 into mouth 730. In yet other embodiments where Needles 782 to provide smoke passageways through plate 780, apertures 784 may be omitted. In some embodiments, one or both of needles 72 and apertures 784 may include filtering materials to filter out ash or other undesirable elements or to add flavorings or scents to the smoke prior to the smoke entering tube 32.

In the example illustrated, perforator 726 comprises a structure configured to be removably mounted upon tube mounting portion 729 and so as to be insertable into interface 765 while being supported by mounting portion 729. In the example illustrated, perforator 729 is cup-shaped, having interior 790 configured to receive mounting portion 729. In other embodiments, perforator 726 may be mounted to mounting portion 729 using other mounting structures. Because perforator 726 is removable from mounting portion 729, perforator 726 may be removed from mounting portion 729 for cleaning or replacement.

In other embodiments, as shown by FIG. 22, perforator 726 may alternatively be movably supported and carried within tube 767 of interface 765. In such an embodiment, needles 782 (or the other puncturing devices of perforator 726) extend upward, but terminate below axial face 768 and do not break the seal provided by axial face 768. As mouth 730 is pushed into tube 767 of mounting portion 729, needles 768 (or the other puncturing devices of perforator 726) are pushed upward through axial face 768 to break the seal and facilitate smoke flow to tube 32. In yet other embodiments, perforator 726 may be integrally formed as part of a single unitary body or be fixed, such as with adhesives or welding, to mounting portion 729. As noted above, in still other embodiments, perforator 76 may be omitted where slits or other openings are preformed in interface 765 and are temporarily sealed by a removable tab or flap 774.

Although FIG. 19 illustrates interface 765 employed in capsule 724 having spacer system 600 (described above), interface 765 may alternatively be employed in other capsules. For example, interface 765 may be employed in capsules having different spacer systems or a mating a spacer system. Interface 765 may be provided in capsules formed from other materials or having other configurations.

FIGS. 24-26 illustrate hookah system 820, another embodiment of hookah system 20. Hookah system 820 is similar to hookah system 720 except hookah system 820 includes capsule 824 in place of capsule 724. Capsule 824 is similar to capsule 724 except that capsule 824 includes interface 865 in lieu of interface 765. Interface 865 is similar to interface 765 except interface 765 extends from and below floor 764. Like interface 865, interface 865 comprises a tube 867 having an axial face 868 which is either imperforate (to be later perforated by an end-user using perforator 826 or other perforation tool) or is pre-perforated at the point of manufacture, wherein the interior 772 is sealed with a removable tab or flap 874. Because tube 867 is formed on an exterior of container 760, tube 867 does not occupy valuable space within interior 772, allowing capsule 824 to contain a greater volume of smoking material 26.

Although FIG. 24 illustrates interface 865 employed in capsule 824 having spacer system 600 (described above), interface 865 may alternatively be employed in other capsules. For example, interface 865 they be employed in capsules having different spacer systems or a mating a spacer system. Interface 865 may be provided in capsules formed from other materials or having other configurations.

FIGS. 27-30 illustrate hookah system 820, another embodiment of hookah system 720. Hookah system 920 is similar to hookah system 820 except that hookah system 920 includes hookah 922 and hookah bowl capsule 924 in place of hookah 722 and capsule 824. Hookah 922 is similar to hookah 722 except that hookah 922 includes tube mounting portion 929 instead of tube mounting portion 729. Tube mounting portion 929 extends from and communicates with an interior of a remainder of tube 32. Tube mounting portion 929 outwardly extends from a remainder of tube 32 to form a mouth 930. Mouth 930 is sufficiently wide and is configured so as to receive a male interface of capsule 924. In the example illustrated, mounting portion 929 has a conical interior 931 for sealing against an interface of capsule 94. Another embodiment, portion 929 may have other configurations for receiving and sealing against an interface of capsule normal 924.

Although FIG. 27 illustrates interface 965 employed in capsule 924 having spacer system 600 (described above), interface 965 may alternatively be employed in other capsules. For example, interface 965 may be employed in capsules having different spacer systems or a mating a spacer system. Interface 965 may be provided in capsules formed from other materials or having other configurations.

Perforator 926 is similar to perforator 726 in a perforator 926 includes a support plate 980, a plurality of needles 982 and one or more slots or apertures 928. As shown by FIG. 27, plate 980 rests within mounting portion 929 with needles 928 extending upwardly. As shown by FIG. 30, when capsule 924 is mounted upon tube mounting portion 929 with interface 965 received within mouth 930, needles 928 extent upwardly through tube 967 and perforator face 968 to break its seal, providing smoke flow from interior 772 to tube 32. As noted above in embodiments where face 968 is pre-perforated and is sealed by flap 874, perforator 926 may be omitted.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view illustrating hookah system 1020, another embodiment of hookah system 820 shown in FIGS. 24-26. Hookah system 1020 is similar to hookah system 820 except that hookah system 1020 includes interface 1065 instead of interface 865. Both are main portions of hookah system 1020 with corresponding portions of hookah system 820 are numbered similarly. Gasket 34, jar 36, hose 38 and valve 40 of hookah system 1020 are shown in FIG. 24.

Interface 1065 is similar to interface 865 in that it mounts a container 1060 containing smoking material 206 to pipe stem or hookah tube 32. Container 1060 is similar to container 760 except the container 1060 omits an integrally formed interface and instead includes a substantially flat floor 1064 and upwardly extending sidewalls 766. Floor 1064 includes a central portion 1067 that is either configured to be punctured or perforated with the perforation tool such as tool 727 shown in FIG. 19A or includes preformed openings or perforations 1070 which are temporarily closed or sealed by a sealing flap or tab such as flap 481 shown in FIG. 12 or flap 874 shown in FIG. 24. Floor 1064 has a lowermost surface configured to be sealed against or mate with interface 1065. In the example illustrated, floor 1065 has a substantially flat lowermost surface. As a result, container 1060 is more easily stacked, transported and inventoried. In addition, container 1064 may be fabricated in a less complex and less expensive manner. In other embodiments, depending upon the configuration interface 1065, floor 1064 may have other configurations.

Sidewalls 766 are described above with respect to container 760. Sidewalls 766 are sufficiently rigid and strong so as to support top 762 above and at a spaced relationship to smoking material 206 and panel 605 under the weight of a heat source, such as hot coals, placed or resting upon top 762, or under pressure applied by users during the mounting of the capsule. In the example illustrated, sidewalls 766 have a strength or rigidity so as to be able to withstand 1.0 pounds without any compression or deformation of sidewalls 766. In the example illustrated, sidewalls 766 are formed from Aluminum foil having a thickness of about 0.0015 inches. In another embodiment, sidewalls 766 may have other configurations and may be formed from other materials having different thicknesses.

Interface 1065 differs from interface 865 in that rather than being integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with the container containing the smoking material 206, interface 1065 comprises a separate and distinct coupler. Interface 1065 is sealed against a lowermost surface of floor 1064 and is further sealed to and about hookah tube 32. An example illustrated, interface 1065 includes tube receiving portion 1100 and platform 1102. To receiving portion 1100 includes an internal tube opening 1104 configured to receive a terminal end of tube 32. Tube opening 1104 is configured to seal against or mate with tube 32 provides a pneumatic or gas tight seal. An example illustrated, two opening 1104 is tapered or is cone or funnel-shaped. In the example illustrated, tube opening 1104 further includes a gasket 1106 to further enhance sealing against tube 32. In other embodiments, gasket 1106 may be omitted or may be integrally formed as part of tube mounting portion 1100.

Platform 1102 extends outwardly from tube mounting portion 1100 and provides a surface 1108 facing floor 1064. In the example illustrated, platform 1102 is sealed against floor 1064 by an adhesive ring or bead 1012 continuously extending about opening 1104 and adhesively joined to both platform 1108 and floor 1064. In other embodiments, platform 1108 may be sealed against or to floor 1064 by an O-ring, an annular gasket, or mechanical locking mechanism that provides a pneumatic seal. Because platform 1102 sealed against floor 1064, sidewalls 766 remain exposed, allowing advertising, instructions or other information to be displayed alongside while 766 when container 1060 is being used as part of hookah system 1020. In addition, gravity assists in the formation of the seal.

According to one embodiment, interface 1065 is separate and distinct from tube 32 and container 1060. In such an embodiment, the adhesive ring or bead 1012 (or other sealing structure) may be either provided on top of platform 1102 or on an underside of floor 10 64 prior to the joining of container 1060 to interface 1065. For example, in one embodiment, the adhesive ring or bead 1012 may be preformed on an underside of floor 1064 and may be covered by a sealing flap which also steals openings 1070. Once the sealing flap is torn or peeled away to expose the adhesive bead 1012, the adhesive bead 1012 may be pressed against a top of platform 1102 to seal interface 1065 to floor 1064 of container 1060. In another embodiment, the adhesive bead or sealing ring 1012 may be preformed on top of platform 1102 and covered by flap which may be peeled and separated from the adhesive ring 1012, allowing the adhesive ring 1012 to be bonded to an underside of floor 1064.

In another embodiment, interface 1065 may be permanently join to floor 1064 and distributed or sold as part of container 1060. In yet another embodiment, interface about 1065 may be permanently joined are formed as part of tube 32. In yet other embodiments, interface 10 65 may have other configurations. For example, in other embodiments, the sealing structure between floor 10 64 and platform 1102 of interface 1065 provided by sealing ring 1012 may be omitted wherein tube 32 sealed against floor 1064 about openings 1070.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view illustrating hookah system 1220, another embodiment of hookah system 1020. Hookah system 1220 is similar to hookah system 1020 except that hookah system 1220 includes interface 1265 instead of interface 1065. Interface 1265 is similar to interface 1065 except that interface 1265 additionally includes sidewalls 1269 extending upwardly from platform 1102. The remaining portions of interface 1265 that correspond to portions of interface 1065 are numbered similarly. 1269 encircle platform 1102 and cooperate with platform 1102 to form a cup-shaped receptacle 1273 configured (sized and shaped) to receive a lower end of container 1060. In one embodiment, sidewalls 1269 form a circular ring. In another embodiment, sidewalls 1269 form a polygonal ring. Because interface 1265 receives container 1060, interface 1265 more stably secures and supports container 1060 while leaving outer circumferential or exterior portions of sidewalls 766 exposed for providing instructions, advertising and the like. In addition, because sidewalls 1269 only partially extend upward along sidewalls 766 and do not extend all the way from floor 1102 to top 762, interface 1265 is more compact and material consumption and cost are reduced.

In the example illustrated, platform 1102 sealed against floor 1064 while sidewalls 1269 seal against sidewalls 766. In one embodiment, the seal is provided by a friction pneumatically sealing fit of container 1060 within receptacle 1273 without a gasket or adhesive. In other embodiments, adhesives or gaskets may be provided between platform 1102 and floor 1064 and/or between sidewalls 1269 and sidewalls 766. In yet other embodiments, interface 1265 may alternatively seal only against floor 1064 or only against sidewalls 766 of container 1060. For example, one embodiment, sidewalls to 69 seal against sidewalls 766 while floor without 64 is spaced above platform 1102.

As with interface 1065, interface 1065 is separate and distinct from tube 32 and container 1060. In yet other embodiments, interface 1265 may alternatively be permanently joined to floor 1064 and distributed or sold as part of container 1060. In yet another embodiment, interface about 1065 may be permanently joined are formed as part of tube 32. In still other embodiments, interface 10 65 may have other configurations.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. 

1. An apparatus comprising: an outer container formed from one or more foils, the container having a floor and at least one sidewall extending from the floor; a smoking material within the outer container; a top joined to the outer container to capture the smoking material within the outer container; and an interface sealed to or integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with the floor and/or the at least one sidewall, the interface configured to be mounted upon a tube of a hookah.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an inner container formed from one or more foils and suspended within the outer container, the inner container containing the smoking material.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the top completely covers the inner container and the outer container.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the top suspends the inner container in the outer container.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the inner container is perforate.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the smoking material is in contact with the outer container.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a panel between the smoking material and the interface, wherein the panel is configured to be punctured.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a perforate panel between the smoking material and the interface.
 9. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a sealing flap between a perforate panel and the interface.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises a tube configured to receive the tube of the hookah.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a perforate wall between an interior of the tube and the smoking material.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises a tubular projection configured to be received within the tube of the hookah.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a perforate wall between an interior of the tube and the smoking material.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer container includes a plurality of wrinkles extending along interior side walls of the outer container.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a thermally conductive panel between the smoking material and the top, wherein the panel is spaced from the top.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interface is sealed to one of the floor and the at least one sidewall.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the interface is removable and separable from the outer container.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interface is integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with one of the floor and the at least one sidewall.
 19. An apparatus comprising: a hookah having a tube, the tube having a first end opening within a liquid reservoir and a second end opening; an interface extending from the tube and configured to be removably sealed to a cup shaped outer container including a floor and at least one sidewall extending from the floor, wherein the interface is configured to seal against at least one of the floor and the at least one sidewall.
 20. A method comprising: forming openings in a container sealed about smoking material, the sealed container joined to an interface; and mounting the interface on a tube of a hookah. 